A CALLOUS dog owner abandoned his ‘best friend’ after colliding with parked cars in New Street in Stevenston last week.

The Ford Transit came to rest on its side after the prang around 11pm on August 10 and witnesses say the driver then fled the scene – leaving his pet pooch trapped inside.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Officers were called to free the terrified animal using cutting equipment.

A spokesperson for SFRS said: ”Our operational crews attending the incident spotted a dog trapped within one of the vehicles involved in the collision and as we have a duty to render humanitarian services an action plan was quickly initiated to free the animal.

“Hydraulic cutting equipment was utilised to gain access and release the dog.

“Firefighters then emptied the contents of the vehicle and undertook a thorough search to ensure no further animals were involved.

“Personnel then ensured the vehicles involved were rendered safe.” A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police enquiries are ongoing into this incident and anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Police Scotland by calling 101.”